The Top 5 Mosquito Management Articles of 2023

Mosquito Control Tips & Educational Resources

We know how difficult it can be to manage mosquitoes. Effective mosquito management requires science-backed solutions, data collection, and knowledge from entomologists, biologists, environmental health specialists, and vector management experts. That’s why we produce educational articles to help you understand the fundamentals of mosquito management so that you can make informed decisions regarding your community’s mosquito management program.

This year’s educational blogs covered various topics including emergency response planning, understanding action thresholds, personal protection tips for citizens, and more. Below are the top articles you found the most interesting and informative in 2023!

Aerial Mosquito Spraying and How We Make It Safe​

Mosquitoes pose one of the most significant threats to public health which is why they require careful monitoring and management to prevent the spread of dangerous diseases like West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and Zika. When mosquito populations reach an unacceptable level or a disease outbreak occurs, aerial mosquito spraying is often required. Discover how aerial mosquito spraying fits into an Integrated Mosquito Management program and how we make our application safe and effective.

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VDCI’s Guide to Helping You Educate Community Members About Mosquitoes

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One of the most important aspects of mosquito management is public education. When citizens understand how mosquito-borne diseases spread, the habitats in which mosquitoes breed, and ways they can protect themselves from bites, they can help limit the dangerous impact of mosquitoes. In addition, when community members are educated on their local mosquito control efforts, the program has a greater chance of long-term success. Discover how to strengthen your mosquito management program and keep your citizens safe with this public education guide.

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Mosquito Natural Disaster Response: Are You Prepared for the Big Storm?

Severe weather can be devastating to our communities, bringing heavy rain and flooding, damaging infrastructure, displacing people from their homes, and creating conditions that promote overwhelming mosquito populations. Luckily, government leaders can prepare for abundant mosquito populations by building an emergency response plan. Discover how to build a contingency plan and explore the benefits of partnering with a professional mosquito management company that can help you navigate post-storm mosquito problems.

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3 Mosquito Surveillance Techniques Professionals Utilize

Surveillance is one of the most important aspects of an Integrated Mosquito Management program. When you have a deep understanding of the local mosquito population, you can implement the appropriate control measures in the right place, at the right time. Collecting and analyzing data should occur during mosquitoes’ various life stages: egg, larval, pupae, and adult. Learn about the three types of surveillance techniques and how professionals utilize the data to optimize mosquito management strategies.

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Deep Dive Into A Mosquito Laboratory

Mosquito laboratories play a critical role in every step of the management process, from building Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) programs and emergency response plans to keeping the public informed about mosquito activity. We believe that everyone deserves peace of mind while enjoying the outdoors, which is why we use laboratory testing and data collection to drive safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly IMM programs. Discover what goes on behind the scenes in a professional mosquito laboratory.

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Create Safe, Enjoying Outdoor Spaces for Citizens

Family camping mosquito-free

Protecting public health is our top mission at VDCI. We want to help government leaders like you create effective and safe mosquito management programs that keep nuisance mosquito populations under control while also protecting citizens from the potential transmission of dangerous diseases. Are you ready to build an Integrated Mosquito Management program? Contact us today to get started.

What to explore our other educational blogs? Click here.

Contact Us to Build Your Mosquito Management Program:

Public Health Pesticides For Mosquito Control: A Higher Standard

Are Mosquito Control Pesticides Safe?

Pesticides are vital tools for the management of disease-carrying mosquitoes. Climate change, urban development, and severe weather events are making the world more hospitable to mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus, Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Dengue, and other deadly diseases. Though proactive management is essential for the protection of our communities, pesticides are an important component of an integrated mosquito management program. Understanding how pesticides are developed and incorporated into mosquito management programs is key to ensuring they work safely and effectively in our times of greatest need.

As a mosquito management company with a mission to protect public health, VDCI only uses pesticides that meet all federal guidelines and are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state agencies for that specific purpose. The process of developing and registering a pesticide product can be lengthy and complex, but helps ensure that products work as intended without unreasonable adverse effects on humans or the environment, including endangered species, non-target insects, plants, ground water, and the food supply.

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Before a pesticide can be registered for public health purposes, it must undergo extensive testing to determine its safety and effectiveness in controlling mosquitoes. This research is typically conducted by the manufacturer or a third-party testing facility and can take several years to complete. All information pertaining to the pesticide, its chemical composition, proposed use, and safety data is evaluated by the EPA to identify the product’s benefits and potential risks:

  • ​Aggregate risks – through food, water, and residential uses
  • Cumulative risks – from different pesticides with the same effects
  • Occupational risks – to those applying the product during their work

As part of this process, additional testing or data collection may be required. Once the pesticide has been deemed safe and effective for mosquito control, it will be published in the Federal Register and issued a label number with precise specifications and precautions for product use. The EPA will continue to monitor its impact and performance through periodic reviews and inspections. If any safety concerns arise, the pLEARroduct’s registration may be revoked, or it may require additional labeling or testing.

Following label guidelines is a crucial aspect of pesticide safety. Many of the products used in mosquito control can only be applied by licensed professionals with the appropriate training and equipment, such as ULV (ultra-low volume) sprayers, aircraft, or GPS-guided drones. These technologies help optimize pesticide use, allowing for just one ounce of product per acre to be applied. Experts also have access to multiple pesticide products, each of which contain different active ingredients and may require unique application methods or frequencies, so understanding label specifications and taking into account proper timing is essential.

Government leaders are tasked with the challenging job of protecting the public from nuisance mosquitoes as well as the threat of disease transmission, but sometimes citizens have reservations about the use of pesticides in their communities. VDCI strives to minimize product applications by incorporating a variety of safe, environmentally responsible techniques under one program. 

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Laws and regulations around pesticide use are incredibly stringent, and VDCI is committed to driving new techniques and innovations that make pesticide applications even more safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Though mosquitoes are a problem that will not be solved any time soon, government leaders and their community members can rest assured that their safety is the foremost priority of an IMM program.

Through an integrated approach, professionals work to identify and removing mosquito breeding habitats, target mosquitoes at the larval stage, and continually monitor for the presence of disease. Pesticides are only used when pre-determined disease or population thresholds are met.

Safety is at the center of everything we do, which is why public education also remains a central pillar of Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) programs. When government leaders choose to partner with a mosquito control company focused on protecting public health, they ensure their community members have access to the latest mosquito management resources for mosquito prevention and personal protection from mosquito-borne diseases. VDCI regularly collaborates with health departments, mosquito abatement districts, schools, libraries, and other public organizations to disseminate pertinent information, including real-time updates about mosquito dynamics and scheduled treatments in the local area.

Contact Us to Learn More About Effective Mosquito Management Strategies:

VDCI_Logo_squareSince 1992, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has taken pride in providing municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, industrial sites, planned communities, homeowners associations, and golf courses with the tools they need to run effective mosquito control programs. We are determined to protect the public health of the communities in which we operate. Our mosquito control professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in the field of public health, specifically vector disease control. We strive to provide the most effective and scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on an Integrated Mosquito Management approach recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VDCI is the only company in the country that can manage all aspects of an integrated mosquito management program, from surveillance to disease testing to aerial application in emergency situations.

Aerial Mosquito Spraying and How We Make It Safe

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Exploring Aerial Applications for Effective Mosquito Control

As one of the most widespread threats to the health and well-being of our communities, mosquitoes require careful monitoring and management to prevent the spread of West Nile virus, Yellow Fever, Zika, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and other dangerous diseases. Insecticides, when applied by professionals, are a low-risk and often necessary tool in these efforts. When mosquito populations reach dangerous or unacceptable levels across an entire community or county, insecticides can be applied across targeted swaths of land by specialized aerial fleets. A key part of these missions is preserving the safety of residents and native wildlife by adopting tools and techniques that limit the deposition of pesticides and target mosquitoes during peak activity. 

Residents rely on state and municipal leaders to make decisions that protect the quality of life in their communities. This extends to choosing the right mosquito management partner. Mosquito management companies with an emphasis on protecting public health, like VDCI, use an integrated mosquito management approach that ensures insecticides are used as safely and efficiently as possible. This means applying products only when and where they are needed, and taking great steps to prevent insecticide resistance – so mosquitoes remain susceptible to the lowest levels of product as possible. 

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Conduct Mosquito Surveillance for More Accurate Management Decisions

Effective and safe mosquito management begins with surveillance and monitoring. From the start of mosquito season, experts closely monitor for population and disease surges using specialized traps, lab tests, and species identification techniques. This information can be used to create detailed maps of a region outlining potential areas of concern, mosquito activity patterns, and product recommendations. If predetermined disease or population thresholds are met, aircraft may be deployed to conduct aerial insecticide applications.

Executing Safe and Effective Aerial Mosquito Spraying

Timing is key for aerial mosquito spraying. Weather conditions can have a significant impact on the safety and effectiveness of a mission. For example, large gusts of wind can transport product to non-target areas. Temperature fluctuations can also require altitude adjustments to ensure optimal product dispersion. VDCI utilizes advanced meteorological software to determine the right window of time to act. Once airborne, integrated GPS tracking units, GIS systems, and an onboard meteorological probe allow pilots to spray precise areas while monitoring for environmental changes and tracking exact droplet size and product levels for maximum efficiency. 

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Insecticides are designed to target the unique physical or biological mechanisms in a mosquito without negatively impacting other species or humans. All insecticides used by VDCI are registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and applied according to label guidelines to protect the well-being of the public and the environment. The EPA regulates not only the quantity of chemicals applied but also use frequency, droplet size and density to ensure the most effective treatment possible. prevention. 

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Capabilities of Aerial Mosquito Spraying

Each aircraft is capable of spraying more than 10,000 acres per load, or 50,000 acres during an overnight mission. All data is generated into a detailed report for stakeholders and the public. This is followed by post-flight monitoring to evaluate the effectiveness of the application and monitor for signs of insecticide resistance, and determine present threat levels. If needed, insecticide dosing may be adjusted or rotated out for a more effective product. Through accurate mapping and data reporting, mosquito management experts can maintain regulatory compliance, streamline permitting requirements, and keep stakeholders informed with real-time knowledge. 

Training and regulatory compliance are integral to the safety of an aerial spraying mission. All VDCI pilots are licensed pesticide applicators and authorized through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in maintenance procedures, airspace regulations, and coordination with aviation agencies. This is particularly important for missions in proximity to FAA-controlled airspace. Establishing a line of communication with local control towers safeguards pilots and prevents dangerous airspace congestion. 

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Communicate Aerial Mosquito Management Missions with Citizens

Communication is central to the safety and success of a mosquito control mission. In addition to communication with state authorities and municipal leaders, this includes ongoing contact with the public. Aerial missions, in particular, can get a lot of attention and lead to questions from residents who want to know, “are there aerial mosquito spraying dangers?” VDCI regularly partners with local organizations, including health departments, libraries, and schools to disseminate informative resources and updates to ease any concerns and to also educate residents about ways to stay safe and prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

Proactively Manage Mosquitoes with an IMM Program

While insecticides are a low-risk and reliable solution to eliminate adult mosquitoes, prevention is key. As part of an integrated mosquito management program, VDCI emphasises surveillance and disease testing as well as larval mosquito control (eliminating mosquitoes prior to them becoming adults). Citizens can also do their part to help fight the bite. Circulating or draining standing water found in bird baths, flower planters, water gardens, buckets, and other outdoor containers will help limit breeding habitats. The public can support professional monitoring and surveillance initiatives in their community by reporting signs of mosquito activity in their local jurisdiction and allowing traps to be set near their properties for data collection. 

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Everyone deserves to feel at ease when spending time outdoors. VDCI prioritizes protecting people and the environment by maximizing the impact of adulticide products on dangerous mosquito populations. Whether by ground or by air, we ensure proper calibration and maintenance for effective mosquito management. Our expertise in aerial application is an asset for government and private entities, and includes any level of support for in-house mosquito efforts or stand-alone management programs.

Contact Us to Learn More About Effective Mosquito Prevention Strategies:

VDCI_Logo_square Since 1992, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has taken pride in providing municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, industrial sites, planned communities, homeowners associations, and golf courses with the tools they need to run effective mosquito control programs. We are determined to protect the public health of the communities in which we operate. Our mosquito control professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in the field of public health, specifically vector disease control. We strive to provide the most effective and scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on an Integrated Mosquito Management approach recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VDCI is the only company in the country that can manage all aspects of an integrated mosquito management program, from surveillance to disease testing to aerial application in emergency situations.

Behind the Scenes Look: Utilizing Technology for Successful Surveillance & Disease Testing

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Mosquito Surveillance & Disease Testing Technologies

Responsible mosquito management involves targeting mosquitoes at all stages of their lifecycle. A holistic, integrated approach is the most effective strategy to halt population growth and prevent the spread of deadly diseases while reducing environmental footprint.

surveillance and disease testing

Mosquito surveillance is the cornerstone of an integrated mosquito management (IMM) program. This begins with assessing breeding sites and eliminating mosquitoes at the larval stage. By analyzing population dynamics and species distribution, adult mosquitoes can be safely and effectively controlled. Proactive mosquito surveillance programs and data collection also allow scientists to optimize the use of insecticides and limit spraying to specific areas at precise times. These mosquito surveillance techniques reduce the chance of insecticide resistance, which can create additional challenges and expenses for stakeholders.

mosquito lab testing collecting dataHighly targeted, carefully formulated insecticides are used by experts to safely control mosquitoes and mitigate the risk of vector-borne disease transmission. Though insecticides are an impactful tool in mosquito management, it’s possible for mosquitoes to become resistant to them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) if mortality drops to a rate of less than 90%, the mosquito population is considered insecticide resistant.

Insecticide resistance typically occurs during prolonged exposure to insecticides used during the management process. Continued use in moderately susceptible populations can result in the selection of resistant individuals and loss of insecticide sensitivity in certain areas—something that is particularly dangerous during large mosquito outbreaks following rainstorms, hurricanes, and other serious weather events. Insecticide resistance not only contributes to wasted time and resources but it also endangers communities through increased disease transmission.

mosquito lab testingThe best way to prevent insecticide resistance is ongoing mosquito surveillance and monitoring. IMM programs incorporate strategic mosquito surveillance and monitoring efforts throughout the management season to gather information about species bionomics, active periods, host preferences, and the presence of disease. This knowledge about local mosquito populations is used to determine the severity of a nuisance outbreak and inform control efforts. 

Scientists have multiple ways to collect information. Each method is selected based on the unique challenges a community is facing.

Mosquito Surveillance Traps

CDC Light Traps

These mosquito surveillance light traps, which were developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, are considered the industry standard for mosquito surveillance and collection. Like the New Jersey light trap, it attracts many different species, but it is portable. A 6V battery powers a motorized fan that circulates carbon dioxide (CO2) as an attractant. Once they enter the mosquito surveillance trap, mosquitoes are sucked into a collection device. CDC traps are most effective when deployed at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

BG-Sentinel Trap

This mosquito surveillance trap is designed to capture Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger mosquito) and Aedes aegypti (Yellow Fever mosquito), each of which are known to carry diseases, including Dengue, Chikungunya, Zika virus, and Yellow Fever. Both species thrive in urban environments where they can breed in natural and artificial containers such as gutters, bird baths, watering cans, and outdoor equipment. The BG-Sentinel trap, which is made of a tarp-like material, utilizes an attractant to lure mosquitoes into a funnel. The funnel is outfitted with an electric fan that pulls them into a net where they will remain until collection.

mosquito trapsGravid Trap

Gravid traps are designed to catch Culex mosquitoes, such as Culex tarsalis or Culex pipiens. These species are capable of spreading West Nile virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, and both Western and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. Each gravid trap is filled with stagnant water containing organic matter like grass or hay to mimic natural breeding grounds. As Culex mosquitoes approach, they are sucked by an electric fan into the trap for future collection.

New Jersey Light Trap

The New Jersey light trap is effective at capturing a wide spectrum of mosquito species. It is typically used as a permanent mosquito surveillance tool that’s mounted and powered by an outlet in target areas. The New Jersey light trap is a beneficial tool to support IMM programs—it is capable of collecting large quantities of local mosquitoes for scientific analysis and data collection. 

Lab Disease Testing

PCR Tests 

Clinical tests are commonly used in the industry to identify mosquito-borne diseases. PCR tests, for example, allow laboratory technicians to detect different bacteria or viruses that have been transmitted by mosquitoes. Though PCR tests are also used to detect Covid-19, it’s important to note that mosquitoes do not spread the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

RAMP® WNv Tests

RAMP tests are also widely used in the industry. This highly-sensitive test is designed to detect West Nile virus in mosquitoes. A RAMP test can be conducted quickly and efficiently in-house, making it particularly useful following hurricanes and weather events.

Monitoring for Insecticide Resistance

CDC Bottle Bioassay

One of the most important tools when monitoring for insecticide resistance is the CDC Bottle Bioassay. As part of the testing process, bottles are coated with a diluted pesticide solution and then paired with a control group. Female adult mosquitoes are deposited into each bottle, where they are exposed to stressful conditions. Mortality data is then collected and analyzed by scientists for evidence of insecticide resistance. 

Larval Cup Bioassay

Larvicides are central to proactive mosquito management programs, and resistance is less common; however, it can still occur. Larval control agents work through either ingestion or contact with the target host, depending on the product used. Like the bottle bioassay process, cups are coated with bacterial larvicides like Bacillus thuringiensis israliensis (Bti), Bacillus sphaericus (Bs), or Spinosad and examined for mortality data. 

insecticide resistance - bottle assay

GPS/GIS Technology

Modern GPS/GIS technologies have made it possible to gather large amounts of data for site mapping, disease tracking, and analysis. This information can be compared over time to identify trends or patterns that help advise the direction of management programs and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory standards. 

Now, GPS technologies are being integrated into advanced aerial equipment. VDCI’s state of the art drones give technicians a birds-eye-view of target sites for more streamlined site surveillance and mapping, as well as more precise pesticide applications. Likewise, advanced drones allow experts to observe and treat areas that are dangerous, like swamps and wetlands, or more private, like HOAs and other large communities.

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Scientists have many advanced tools at their disposal for trapping, species identification, and disease testing, but the most valuable approach is preventative management. Proactive mosquito surveillance, monitoring, communication, and stakeholder education can help experts identify and quickly mitigate disease risks before a community is impacted. VDCI has the experience, necessary mosquito surveillance equipment, industry-leading technologies, and capabilities to handle all of your mosquito surveillance and disease monitoring needs.

Contact Our Experts​

Complete the form below or call 800-413-4445 to speak to an expert who can help you develop a custom mosquito surveillance and control program to meet your community’s needs.

Government Partners in Mosquito ManagementSince 1992, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has taken pride in providing municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, industrial sites, planned communities, homeowners associations, and golf courses with the tools they need to run effective mosquito control programs. We are determined to protect the public health of the communities in which we operate. Our mosquito control professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in the field of public health, specifically vector disease control. We strive to provide the most effective and scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on an Integrated Mosquito Management approach recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VDCI is the only company in the country that can manage all aspects of an integrated mosquito management program, from surveillance to disease testing to aerial application in emergency situations.

Add Aerial Application Services to Your Existing Mosquito Management Program

Aerial Spraying Malcom 9

Add Aerial Application Services to Your Existing Mosquito Management Program

Mosquitoes are most effectively managed when a multitude of professional solutions and innovations are utilized to target the species. Personal protection efforts, public education, mosquito habitat reduction, and ground-based activities are highly impactful in the battle against mosquitoes. Over the last 20+ years, VDCI has helped reinforce these strategies by taking management to the skies. 

VDCI is a leading operator of advanced aerial fleets for adult and larval mosquito control around the country. Aerial applications of EPA-registered insecticides can provide more thorough protection across states, counties, and municipalities, particularly when the risk of vector-borne disease transmission is elevated. 

How can the public benefit from aerial mosquito control?

During warmer months, mosquitoes can be found nearly everywhere in our communities. And because they are capable of traveling many miles for a blood meal, it’s also beneficial to target mosquitoes where they thrive, such as swamps, wetlands, and thickets. Unfortunately, these areas can be hard to reach, environmentally protected, or dangerous for ground crews to navigate. 

Aerial product applications may be the only way to interrupt the mosquito breeding cycle in remote locations where populations are abnormally high or when roads and natural areas are inaccessible due to flooding, compromised infrastructure, or road closures. When conducted from above, monitoring and applications are typically more comprehensive, faster, and safer; ground crews in one Ultra-Low Volume (ULV) spray truck can treat approximately 1,000 acres per load – or potentially less following weather emergencies – while a single aircraft can treat 10,250 acres per load.

outside vdci aerial hanger - aerial mosquito control

VDCI Aerial Advantage

When designing a management approach, professionals take into account many factors beyond the size and type of area being treated. The process begins with surveillance of the local mosquito species and their populations, patterns, peak activity, and susceptibility to certain types of management styles. VDCI supports the best practices of mosquito abatement districts by helping target mosquitoes at every phase of their lifecycle. This means using specified adulticide and larvicide applications at distinct rates and times of year and with the equipment that’s best suited for the job. 

VDCI is the only company nationwide that operates a diverse, in-house fleet of drones and aircraft that are exclusively dedicated to mosquito control:

Fixed-wing aircraft:​

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  • Capable of treating up to 50,000 acres per aircraft, per night
  • Integrated systems ensure uniform spray cloud density
  • Swift emergency response tool following hurricanes or severe flood events

Professional drone technology:​

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  • Capable of applying up to 200 acres of product per session
  • Pre-programmed flight routes with superior GPS navigation 
  • Highly maneuverable and unobtrusive in residential areas

VDCI’s advanced aerial equipment is operated exclusively by licensed aerial pesticide applicators who are authorized through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). All professionals specialize in maintenance procedures, airspace regulations, and coordination with local aviation agencies. Together, these professionals boast a combined 50,000+ hours of experience.

We Are Here For Your Every Need

Whether you are experiencing routine mosquito problems or an unforeseen circumstance, VDCI’s vector control scientists are well equipped to safely mitigate the challenges in your area. Our expertise, technology, and reporting capabilities are an asset to any program in need of aerial application services. Contact us below to learn how we can support your mosquito management program.

Aerial Mosquito Management: Timing Control Efforts

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Adult Mosquito Management

For districts, counties, or municipalities, it can feel that when the mosquito season starts, the clock also starts. It won’t be long before residents begin to contact local leaders to help reduce mosquito populations in their communities. If a threat becomes too great, often aerial applications are conducted. The Mission: To reduce large nuisance populations and kill as many mosquitoes that could carry vector-borne diseases as possible. Timing during this mission is a top concern.

vdci aerial services plane scenic spraying treatment mosquito control vector managementWhether larviciding or adulticiding, timing in Aerial Mosquito Control is an extremely critical component. Knowing the amount of time that is required to go through all the protocols, preflight the aircraft, and be able to hit the “spray on” switch at the exact specified time, to ensure a successful mission, can sometimes present its challenges – but must be accomplished.

Adulticing: On Time and On Target

Before an aerial operation can take place, there are significant factors that must coincide with timing. We have outlined a short list of protocols that must be followed while conducting an aerial adulticide mission.

Who, What, Where, When?

Culex_tarsalis_p_2Western_Encephalitis_Mosquito_250x166.jpgFirst, we need to determine what species we are trying to control. Different species of mosquitoes have different flight patterns and peak activity. Culex pipiens prefer to feed up to 2 hours after sunset compared to Cx. tarsalis (shown in image) who will only feed for up to 1 hour after sunset. Exact application time to target specific species is crucial. VDCI recommends the use of rotator traps to determine exact flight times of targeted species in a given area. Forethought on behalf of the beneficial insects needs to be considered as well. Next, a detailed map should be utilized to review the exact location that the application is desired. Then, both parties should review what product is being considered for application. Once the product is determined, aerial applicators will revisit their flight plan to ensure the mission dispenses the correct amount of chemical out of the aircraft as not to exceed the time allotment. Throughout the entire process, the mosquito control team should answer all questions, address all concerns, and maintain clear communication with the customer.

Contact Local Law Enforcement

Many application areas will require coordination with local law enforcement. When mosquito control aircraft fly over populated areas at 300 ft, the low flight path can generate additional phone calls into the police dispatch centers. Providing the local centers with advanced knowledge of a scheduled flight can help ease concerns of residents.

Contact Local Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Control Towers and Controlling Agencies

Communication with local aviation agencies is a very important aspect as well. Typically, a mission over congested areas also includes flying within FAA controlled airspace. Proper coordination prevents two aircraft from occupying the same airspace at the same time.

File a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) with the FAA

Filing an NOTAM will allow another pilot in the area, that may not be in contact with a control tower, to be aware of the area and altitude that local mosquito control will be conducting operations.

Weather Factors

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Anything from temperature inversions to gusty conditions must be factored into the timing of an application. Temperature inversions are common at night and seem to be most prominent right after sunset. Depending on the inversion level, it may require an altitude adjustment of the aircraft. Wind conditions and the tracking of storms must also be given attention. Will we be able to get the product out and to the target site before the wind increases or a thunderstorm starts? Or should we wait? Understanding the environmental conditions of an area is an important part of completing a successful mission.

Larviciding: Best Conditions, Best Results

Larvicidng, when compared to adulticiding, can offer applicators a little more breathing room throughout a mission. Instead of windows delegated by hours, an aerial applicator can have a few days. Even in the hottest days of summer, a successful mission can be spread over as many as 3 days to get the pesticide to the larvae and achieve desired results. This provides mosquito control pilots with more opportunities to make a precise application under the best conditions.

Contact Us to Learn More About Aerial Mosquito Management:

VDCI_Logo_squareSince 1992, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has taken pride in providing municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, industrial sites, planned communities, homeowners associations, and golf courses with the tools they need to run effective mosquito control programs. We are determined to protect the public health of the communities in which we operate. Our mosquito control professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in the field of public health, specifically vector disease control. We strive to provide the most effective and scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on an Integrated Mosquito Management approach recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VDCI is the only company in the country that can manage all aspects of an integrated mosquito management program, from surveillance to disease testing to aerial application in emergency situations.

Aerial Application Services for Mosquito Management

Effectively and Safely Controlling Mosquito Populations

Aerial applications can be an important component of an Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM) program and are most often performed when the risk of vector-borne disease transmission is elevated. As municipalities and mosquito abatement districts gain a better understanding of the specific disease risks in their communities, our team continues to stay on the cutting edge of technology, utilizing fixed wing or rotary wing aircraft for each specific job to effectively target larval and adult mosquitoes.

As the owner of the largest fleet of aircraft in the world dedicated specifically to mosquito control, VDCI has been on the front lines combatting mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus and dengue. Each community we serve has unique needs and our team considers several factors before conducting an aerial application, including the species of the mosquito, the need for larval and/or adult mosquito control, the size and type of area to be treated, and whether the use of an airplane (fixed wing) or helicopter (rotary wing) is optimal.

VDCI is proud to have been working with the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District since 2005. We serve our partner with fixed wing aircraft that allow our teams to cover an extensive area that could be difficult to treat on the ground. Since the beginning of our partnership, our work there has expanded to surrounding counties. Today, VDCI supplies a dedicated fixed winged aircraft to Sac-Yolo and three additional contiguous counties of Placer, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus. In August, these counties began to see an increased presence of West Nile Virus in their mosquito populations and VDCI brought in additional aircraft to respond to the increased risk of disease transmission. In August alone, we treated 475,000 acres to control adult mosquito populations, which brought our total for the year to over 1.1 million acres in these California counties.

Fixed wing aircraft can provide benefits that include:

  • The ability to treat areas that can sometimes be difficult or too large to treat on the ground.
  • Breaking the mosquito breeding cycle after natural disasters where severe flooding occurs.
  • Providing quick results to emergency response situations where a disease outbreak is present.

On the opposite side of the country, VDCI is working to combat the spread of Zika virus via our rotary wing capabilities. Our work in Broward County, Florida focuses on the application of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Bti is a naturally occurring soil bacteria used as a biological control agent for larvae stages of mosquitoes. There are important differences in the application of Bti versus that of products used to control adult mosquitoes. Although fixed wing aircraft can be used to apply Bti, a rotary wing aircraft can often be a better choice depending on the parameters of the mission. In this specific instance, the benefits of using rotary wing capabilities include:

  • More versatile landing and takeoff requirements. Helicopter loading zones are often closer to the spray blocks, decreasing ferry time, and increasing the actual application time.
  • Ability to target smaller areas. Helicopters can readily treat blocks as small as 10 acres, whereas airplanes need larger block sizes to be effective due to their speed and altitude.
  • Ability to make applications at slower flight speeds, along with the lower altitudes, allows a more precise application rate and deposition of product into the target zone.
  • The rotors of a helicopter can actually serve as a means to ‘push’ the product down into the spray zone.
  • Ability to turn quickly and maneuver within urban environments that contain many physical structures. This is extremely meaningful in combating the primary vector of Zika virus, the Aedes aegypti.

As a result of the above, VDCI was able to target and treat 4 square miles where there was an increased risk of Zika virus transmission. The mission was completed in six hours when there were very few residents outside.

VDCI has been providing aerial application services for over 20 years. Due to the complicated nature of these applications, very few companies possess the experience and capability to handle aerial larval and adult mosquito control. Our expertise, our technology, and reporting capabilities, are an asset to any program in need of aerial application services.

Contact Us to Learn More About Effective Mosquito Management Strategies:

VDCI_Logo_squareSince 1992, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has taken pride in providing municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, industrial sites, planned communities, homeowners associations, and golf courses with the tools they need to run effective mosquito control programs. We are determined to protect the public health of the communities in which we operate. Our mosquito control professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in the field of public health, specifically vector disease control. We strive to provide the most effective and scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on an Integrated Mosquito Management approach recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VDCI is the only company in the country that can manage all aspects of an integrated mosquito management program, from surveillance to disease testing to aerial application in emergency situations.

Anatomy of an Aerial Mosquito Application

Utilizing Planes to Control Mosquito Populations

Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) is proud to own the largest fleet of aircraft in the world dedicated specifically to mosquito management. Aerial applications can be an important component of an integrated mosquito management (IMM) program. Current events, such as the threat of Zika virus (2016), multiple positive West Nile mosquito traps reported, and natural disasters where severe flooding occurs, have created awareness about mosquito habitats that can sometimes be difficult or too large to treat on the ground. 

Therefore, having the ability to utilize aircraft can be an effective complement to ground-based activities. Aerial applications may be the only way to break the mosquito breeding cycle in emergency response situations or when mosquito populations are abnormally high.

6 Steps Required To Conduct Aerial Mosquito Control

Conducting these missions for municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, military bases, and several other communities where residential properties must be considered, is a highly scientific and advanced process. We will discuss some of the steps required to conduct an aerial application for the control of mosquitoes.

1. Determine the Target Species

Like other aspects of an IMM program, aerial application must be justified by surveillance of mosquito populations. Surveillance allows us to understand not only the number of mosquitoes present but also the distribution of species in a given area. Culex mosquitoes fly at certain times of night (depending on the geography, temperature, and daylight) and are susceptible to certain types of products. An Anopheles mosquito can behave quite differently and might require a different product or application rate. Therefore, knowing the target species allows the manager and applicator to understand which product should be used, at what rate it should be applied, and during what time the application should be made.

2. Low-Level Waiver, Congested Area Plan, and Regulatory Thresholds

Before an aerial mosquito management mission can begin, the applicator must receive a low-level waiver from the FAA and a Congested Area Plan must be approved for the actual location of the impending aerial application. The FAA prohibits flying over congested areas at low altitudes and aerial mosquito management missions are typically performed at 300 feet above the ground. An applicator must also be sure that National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit thresholds have been met in order to justify an aerial application. The most common method to meet such thresholds is simply surveillance using standard trapping techniques. If indeed those thresholds have been met, the public must be notified of the upcoming aerial application. Finally, pilots file a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM). This filing alerts other pilots about the presence of a low-flying aircraft and helps ensure the safety of the application crew.

3. Calibration of Spray Equipment

Calibrating the aircraft’s spray equipment is the law as well as essential for a safe and effective application. Calibration ensures proper flow rates and the application of product to the target area. In addition to flow rates, the second component of calibration is ensuring the correct droplet size. Droplets that are too large will fall to the ground and not kill any mosquitoes, while droplets that are too small will either float away or not harm the mosquito (and perhaps even foster resistance). So it is imperative to have just the right size droplet.  Below lists the three most critical pieces of equipment, related to calibration and accurate product deposition, that should be checked prior to each application.

AIMMS Unit: A weather probe that takes real-time weather data and feeds it to the aircraft’s GPS unit, thereby automatically directing the pilot where to fly to ensure a successful application

Micronairs: Rotary atomizer that ensures the proper droplet size is being produced

GPS Unit: Critical to telling pilots where to fly to apply product in the targeted application zone

4. Pre Fly the Application Zone

Aerial application is performed at night when mosquitoes are flying. Unfortunately, flying at low altitudes at night can be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. During the daytime, each crew should fly the application zone, noting any potential obstacles and recording them in the aircraft’s GPS unit. In the event that these obstacles are not properly lighted, the GPS unit will alert the crew of the presence of the obstacle during the application mission.

5. Conduct the Mission

After all of the above has been completed, an aerial mosquito management mission can commence. The aircraft is loaded with the product to be used and the crew performs the application.

6. Download GPS Data and Produce Application Maps

Once the spray system has been rinsed, and the aircraft inspected after the mission, the crew should download the GPS data and send it to a GIS professional. Once the GIS professional receives the information, an application map is produced and delivered to the manager of the Integrated Mosquito Management program.

The aerial application can be a critical component of an IMM program, particularly when disease transmission has been identified as a risk to public health. Many, many steps must be taken before an airplane is in the air conducting the application. Preparation, technology, and a skilled pilot are all critical to ensuring a safe and effective aerial mosquito management mission.

Contact Us to Learn More About Effective Mosquito Management Strategies:

VDCI_Logo_squareSince 1992, Vector Disease Control International (VDCI) has taken pride in providing municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, industrial sites, planned communities, homeowners associations, and golf courses with the tools they need to run effective mosquito control programs. We are determined to protect the public health of the communities in which we operate. Our mosquito control professionals have over 100 years of combined experience in the field of public health, specifically vector disease control. We strive to provide the most effective and scientifically sound mosquito surveillance and control programs possible based on an Integrated Mosquito Management approach recommended by the American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). VDCI is the only company in the country that can manage all aspects of an integrated mosquito management program, from surveillance to disease testing to aerial application in emergency situations.